Mask ·  Tanzania, Holoholo · ID: 3034250

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of kaolin, of oval form, slightly asymmetrical facial features and incised scarification marks, pierced around the rim, small missing parts through insect caused damage, metal socle;
this mask was found near Lake Tanganyika close to Kalemie and it was used by roving musicians and dancers at the funeral of a Holoholo elder. Stylistically it has some Goma in it, but the scarifications are also found on Tabwa masks, the use of kaolin is unusual and could be a Bembe influence. A mysterious pierce.

The object Mask with the object ID 3034250 was last part of the auction 72nd tribal art auction at March 9, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 489 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,500.

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Publications

Felix, Marc L., Maniema, München 1989, p. 205